Sevilla on course to keep title

08 May 2015 03:00 AM

Sevilla stayed firmly on course for a second consecutive Europa League crown when an Aleix Vidal (pictured) double and a Kevin Gameiro strike secured a thumping 3-0 win at home to Fiorentina in their semi-final first leg last night.

Chasing a record fourth triumph in Europe's second-tier club competition, Sevilla took the lead in the 17th minute at a festive Sanchez Pizjuan stadium when Vidal thrashed a low shot into the corner from a Carlos Bacca layoff.

The Spanish midfielder made it 2-0 to the Andalusians seven minutes into the second half when Vitolo released him into space on the right of the penalty area and he finished clinically past Fiorentina goalkeeper Neto.

Substitute Gameiro put the tie virtually beyond the Italians 15 minutes from time when he scored with his first touch just under 30 seconds after replacing Bacca following good work down the left from fullback Benoit Tremoulinos.

It was Sevilla's ninth win in a row at home in continental competition and their seventh in seven matches at the Sanchez Pizjuan in the latest edition of the Europa League.